Real Mums Top Tips -
Coping with the first few weeks with your newborn

 

I recently asked some of our MisFit Mama mums to share their own insights to help make the first few weeks of motherhood a little easier for you. This is real advice from real mums who have recently been in your shoes and have come through the other side!

1. "Paracetamol is massively underrated and really helps aches and pains after birth! Don't compare yourself to others and don't judge other mums, babies are all so different and you will learn what is best for you, your baby and your family. try not to tell dads how you do everything (even though you'll probably be desperate to!), you will each build your own relationship with baby and it doesn't matter that you change nappies a different way to each other! As the others say, definitely enjoy the moments you have with your baby. Xx"

2."I would say enjoy the cuddles and the little naps on your chest during the day instead of worrying about the housework, it can wait and they grow up too fast. Also get out and meet other new mummies it will keep you sane. Company from other people going through the same experiences is priceless. Xx"

3." Just follow your heart! Don't be hard on yourselves. Ask for help if you are struggling, there is no shame. Lots of cuddles and throw the baby books out!! Do what you want to do. Mine were in & out of my bed all the time. They soon grow out of it. They grow so quickly, you have no idea. Try & cherish each moment as best you can."

4. "The first 3 months I found really difficult, eat, sleep, pooh repeat!! (Baby not mum) But things get easier if you can survive that, if you are breastfeeding, the first 6 weeks are constant feeding on demand but again gets easier once you have established a good supply, if formula feeding I would recommend winding every 60mls to prevent colic in the evenings. I combined fed and that saved my sanity. Cuddles, skin to skin and leave the housework till it becomes hazardous!! O and if you get the chance to pamper yourself even for a an hour, do it!! 🍼😴 xx"

5. "Concentrate on your new bundle and existing ones if you have more. The dust will always come back and you'll never get the precious first few months back x"

6. "Don't be afraid to say how you are feeling! Don't feel bad asking for help, or for some alone time or saying no visitors especially in the early days! If people offer to cook, clean, shop etc for you let them and don't let anyone else tell you how to parent. Oh and enjoy all the craziness and the quiet moments alike xx"

7. "From an exercise point of view Pelvic floor exercises and walking is all you need to be focusing on in the first 6 weeks (or longer following a C-section). So relax, eat well, respect your body and focus on your relationship with your baby. Don't feel pressure to return to exercise too soon. Your body will let you know when it is ready - MisFit Mamas x"

I think you will agree there is definitely a theme going on regarding housework, trying to enjoy your baby (sounds obvious but when your overtired and focusing on the wrong things it's not so easy) and asking for help!!

My own early experiences were very different. With the first singleton baby I just got on with it despite struggling, whereas when the twins arrived 2 years later I had a timetable of support in place and as a result I bonded better, no baby blues and enjoyed my babies so much more!

My point: even one baby is NOT A ONE PERSON JOB!! You will probably be surprised how many friends and family members will be more than happy to help but don't want to intrude! Give them a nice task e.g taking baby for a walk as well as a boring one such as doing the dishes!

I hope that the above insights help you in some way in your own journey. I would love to know what you think. The mums top tips above are all on the MisFit Mamas FB page so feel free to join in the conversation!

A big Thank you to all the mums who contributed!

Debbie X
https://www.facebook.com/misfitmamas1